Unionville opts out of fall sports participation
Another area high school will not be playing scholastic sports this fall due to the COVID-19 virus.
On the same day that the Archdiocese of Philadelphia opted out of fall sports, ending Bishop Shanahan’s fall season, the Unionville Chadds-Ford School district at its regular board meeting August 24 declared Unionville High School will not compete in fall sports.
Unionville athletic director Pat Crater talked about the decision.
“We are extremely disappointed to announce we will not be competing in interscholastic sports this fall season in accordance with input from the Chester County Health Department,” Crater said. “From a a viability standpoint, we were not confident we would be able to build a viable local schedule. The PIAA has said they will consider allowing schools and leagues to play a condensed schedule to include winter and spring sports beginning January 4.
“Also, District 1 will continue to advocate for our student-athletes to play a competitive schedule this spring. But, there is also the chance the PIAA would also not let sports happen this spring. I spoke to our coaches and we like to call it the Midnight News. We willed this thing until midnight and then at 12.01 we will start against to support our student athletes moving forward.”
Unionville head football coach Pat Clark is already looking ahead with his players.
“Unionville football is special because we have tough, committed, persistent and resilient young men in our program, Clark said. “I’m pretty sure you will see our players demonstrate these traits once again throughout the fall, and hopefully in a modified spring season against familiar foes.”
Clark posted the following to the school Facebook page:
“Thank you to all the players for all you do. I have the best job in the area because of you. Thanks, also to the boosters, parents and the community for your continued support,” Clark wrote.
Unionville joins Bishop Shanahan, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Norristown, Pope John Paul II, Cheltenham as well as the DelVal League and the Philadelphia Catholic League in not participating in fall sports.
